May 1827. © TOLDOS "—TOMR. 93 
farther back there was a luxuriant growth of grass, affording 
rich and plentiful pasture for the horses, among which we 
observed several mares in foal, and colts feeding and frisking 
by the side of their dams: the scene was lively and pleasing, 
and, for the moment, reminded me of distant climes, and days 
gone by. 
The ‘toldos’ are all alike. In form they are rectangular, 
about ten or twelve feet long, ten deep, seven feet high in 
front, and six feet in the rear. The frame of the building is 
formed by poles stuck in the ground, having forked tops to 
hold cross pieces, on which are laid poles for rafters, to sup- 
port the covering, which is made of skins of animals sewn 
together so as to be almost impervious to rain or wind. The 
posts and rafters, which are not easily procured, are carried 
from place to place in all their travelling excursions. Having 
reached their bivouac, and marked out a place with due regard 
to shelter from the wind, they dig holes with an iron bar or 
piece of pointed hard wood, to receive the posts; and all the 
frame and cover being ready, it takes but a short time to erect 
a dwelling. Their goods and furniture are placed on horse- 
back under the charge of the females, who are mounted aloft 
upon them. The men carry nothing but the lasso and bolas, to 
be ready for the capture of animals, or for defence. 
Maria’s toldo was nearly in the middle, and next to it was 
her brother’s. All the huts seemed well stored with skins and 
provisions, the former being rolled up and placed at the back, 
and the latter suspended from the supporters of the roof; the 
greater part was in that state well known in South America 
by the name of charque (jerked beef); but this was princi- 
pally horse-flesh, which these people esteem superior to other 
food. The fresh meat was almost all guanaco. The only 
vessels they use for carrying water are bladders, and suffi- 
ciently disagreeable substitutes for drinking utensils they 
make: the Fuegian basket, although sometimes dirty, is less 
offensive. 
About two hundred yards from the village the tomb was 
erected, to which, while Maria was arranging her skins and 
